Today, let’s examine the paramount role the pastor plays in reaching and keeping people in a local church. Consider these findings:

90% of respondents said that the pastor’s preaching influenced their decision to attend a particular church.

When asked to rank the order of reasons why they chose to attend their church, the preaching of the pastor ranked #1.

To examine the specifics of the pastor’s role, the survey asked, “What factors of the pastor’s ministry influenced your choice of this church?” Here are their responses listed in the order of their ranking:

Preaching that teaches and applies to my life.

Athenticity of the pastor.

Pastor’s convictions.

Pastor’s leadership skills.

This study confirmed what most of us already suspected–the pastor plays a pivotal role in the growth of a local church. Somewhat surprising was the overwhelming importance of preaching.

28Nineteen is all about discipleship. It is about carrying out our Lord's Great Commission as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20. Making disciples of all nations begins "as we are going through life" building relationships with people who are far from God, loving them to Jesus, helping them to grow in relationship and obedience, and invest in others.